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“I just knew I had to keep studying and work hard to move forward.”

date_range2026-10-08

Tín is one of the students supported through the capacity-building project for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, which he joined while studying at Lý Tự Trọng College as part of saigonchildren’s Getting Ready for Work Programme. He has left a strong impression on us through his dedication to his studies, outstanding academic performance and determination to build a better future.

Getting to where he is today – completing his intermediate-level qualification, progressing to college, securing a job related to his field of study and continuing his education through a part-time university programme – has never been an easy journey for Tín.

Growing up, Tín and his twin sister often faced delays in paying their school fees or had outstanding fees to settle. For their single mother, working as a domestic helper, keeping both children in school on an income of just VND 3-4 million a month was a significant challenge. With limited sources of support, the three of them relied on one another to get through the difficulties they faced. Later, seeing how hard the family was struggling, Tín’s uncle, who was himself living in rented accommodation, offered to let them stay with him, asking only that they contribute towards the electricity and water bills.

As they grew older, Tín and his sister took the initiative to study while working, having realised that their mother’s health had deteriorated significantly after years of overwork. At the time, the family’s income was only enough to cover their most basic living expenses and their mother’s medication.

Recognising the importance of education, Tín did not allow these difficulties to distract him from his studies. Instead, he continued to work hard and move forward. After completing his intermediate-level qualification, he spent another one and a half years progressing to college. This was also a period when tuition fees and other education-related costs placed greater pressure on his family. It was at this point that saigonchildren’s programme had the opportunity to support him.

“Saigonchildren’s scholarship has been incredibly practical and meaningful for me. I received support with my tuition fees for my final two semesters, as well as the TOEIC examination fee and graduation fee. This meant I could stay on track with my studies and focus on my education. I also gained valuable skills through workshops on CV writing, interviews and communication. It was only after entering the workplace that I fully understood the thought and care behind each training topic, and how much these skills have helped me apply what I learnt effectively in both my work and social relationships.”

Saigonchildren supported Tín through around two-thirds of his college journey. Today, he is confident enough to take the next steps on his own. Tín graduated from college with excellent results and found a job in his field of study, around 10km from home, while gradually contributing to his family’s living expenses. He is also pursuing a part-time university programme at the University of Transport Hồ Chí Minh City.

“All I knew was that I had to keep studying and work hard to overcome my difficulties. I would like to sincerely thank the team and the programme for supporting, caring for and encouraging me throughout the challenging period. I hope the programme will continue to grow, so that more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can receive support and have opportunities to develop themselves.”

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